Connector which is used to join a windscreen wiper arm to a wiper blade

ABSTRACT

A connector for connecting a windshield wiper arm to an element of a support structure element of a wiper blade unit includes two parallel vertical side cheek plates interconnected by a body. A first transverse hinge pin can be inserted radially into a first recess in the body. An outside convex cylindrical face portion of the body and two inside vertical longitudinal faces of the side cheek plates are configured to receive an inside wall of the end of an arm that belongs to a first category of arm. A second cylindrical recess of the body is capable of receiving a second transverse pin of an arm that belongs to a second category of arm. The connector is also internally configured for receiving the end of an arm that belongs to a third category of arm.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a connection piece or “connector” usedfor connecting the end of a windshield wiper arm to an element of asupport structure for supporting the wiper blade proper of the wiperblade unit.

The invention relates more particularly to a connector for connectingone end of a windshield wiper arm to a first transverse hinge pinbelonging to a structure element of a wiper blade unit, the connectorbeing of the type having two parallel vertical side cheek plates thatare interconnected by a body defining a first recess into which thefirst hinge pin can be inserted radially, the connector being of thetype that is suitable for being received at least in part against theinside end wall of the end of an arm that belongs to a first category ofarm, which end is in the form of a U-shaped hook, via an outside convexcylindrical face portion of the body and via shapes in relief providedon the facing inside vertical longitudinal faces of the side cheekplates, so that the connector is suitable for being received against theinside end walls of ends of arms belonging to the first category of armand of different sizes, and the connector also being of the type that issuitable for receiving a second transverse pin that belongs to a secondcategory of arm and that extends transversely from a side edge of theend of the arm to be received in a second cylindrical recess of the bodyinto which recess the second pin can be inserted transversely, whichrecess is defined in part by a locking tongue that is elasticallydeformable and that extends substantially longitudinally, a firstlongitudinal end of which tongue is fastened to the body, the lockingtongue being suitable for retracting and for enabling the second pin tobe inserted, and for causing the second pin to be locked transversely inthe position in which it is mounted in the second recess.

The increase in the numbers of types and of shapes of current motorvehicles is causing an increase in the number of categories of arm andan increase in the number sizes of arm for each category.

The locking tongue makes it possible, using the same connector, toconnect the wiper blade unit to various categories of wiper arm, a firstcategory being a category in which the end of the arm is U-shaped, and asecond category being a category in which the end of the arm carries atransversely extending pin.

By means of the shapes in relief, the connector is particularly welladapted for receiving arms of the first category that can be of numerousdifferent sizes. However, it is not adapted for receiving ends of armsof the second category that are of a plurality of sizes.

In a known design that is described in document WO-A-01.15946, thelocking tongue is suitable for deforming elastically to receive thetransverse pin on the end of the arm. Thus, in order for the connectorto be suitable for receiving a second transverse pin of a larger size,i.e. of larger diameter, the locking tongue must be designed to deformthrough a larger amplitude.

This means that, when the connector receives a pin of a first size thatis the smallest size, the amplitude through which the locking tonguedeforms is small. Thus, the resilient return force enabling the lockingtongue to be held in the peripheral groove in the pin is smaller thanthe force generated when the connector receives a pin of a second sizethat is greater than the first size.

In addition, due to the small dimensions of a pin of the first size, thedepth of the groove that receives the locking tongue is relativelysmall, which means that the bearing surface area via which the tonguebears against the walls of the groove is also small.

Therefore, when the connector receives a pin of the first size, thelocking achieved by the locking tongue is ineffective in comparison withthe locking achieved when the connector receives a pin of the secondsize, for which the resilient return force and the bearing surface areavia which the tongue bears against the walls of the groove are larger.

That is why it is proposed to use a connector adapted to each size ofpin.

Since wiper blade units are elements that wear quickly, the user needsto replace them regularly. For that purpose, new wiper blade unitsaccompanied by connectors are commercially available. Sincemanufacturers cannot know either the category or the size of thewindshield wiper arm of the vehicle of the driver, manufacturers aretherefore obliged to put a plurality of connectors in the same packagingthat make it possible to connect a wiper blade unit to all of thecategories and sizes of arms.

Of the connectors supplied in the packaging, only one will be used toconnect the wiper blade unit to the wiper arm, and the others, which areof no use, will be discarded.

Thus, manufacturers are certain to sell connectors of which a portionwill be thrown away automatically, thereby resulting in wastage of theraw material sold, which could have been used to manufacture otherconnectors.

To avoid that, an object of the invention is to provide a connectorthat, on its own, makes it possible to connect a wiper blade unit to oneend of a wiper arm, from among a plurality of categories of arm and fromamong a plurality of sizes of arm.

To this end, the invention provides a connector of the above-describedtype, characterized in that the second longitudinal end of the lockingtongue is normally connected to the body by a film of material, and inthat the dimensions of the film are determined so that the second recessis suitable for receiving a second pin that can be of a first or of asecond size, the second size being greater than the first size, andinserting a second pin of the second size causes the film of material tobreak.

According to other characteristics of the invention:

-   -   the body includes a front segment that defines the first recess,        the front outside wall of the front segment being suitable for        being received against the inside end wall of the U-shaped hook        of the arm, and a rear segment that extends horizontally above        the locking tongue, and whose horizontal top face defines a        bearing face for bearing against a top branch of the U-shaped        hook, and whose bottom face is provided with a concave portion        that defines in part the second recess, in association with a        facing concave portion of the top face of the locking tongue;    -   the connector includes a locking element that is suitable for        being received in an annular groove formed in the cylindrical        wall of a second pin of the first size or of the second size for        locking the second pin transversely in the position in which it        is mounted in the second recess;    -   the locking tongue exerts a resilient locking force on the        second pin so as to prevent the locking element from disengaging        from the annular groove;    -   the locking element consists of a lug that is carried by the        locking tongue;    -   the second longitudinal end of the locking tongue is extended by        a control tab for releasing the second pin;    -   the locking element consists of a lug that is carried by the        body;    -   the connector includes a second tongue that is elastically        deformable and that extends substantially longitudinally        forwards from the front longitudinal end of the rear segment of        the body, which tongue is suitable for retracting upwards to        enable the second pin to be inserted, and is suitable for being        received at least in part in the peripheral groove in the second        pin so as to lock the second pin transversely, in association        with the locking tongue;    -   the second tongue is of transverse width complementary to the        width of the annular groove in the second pin;    -   the front longitudinal end of the locking tongue is fastened to        the front segment;    -   the body also includes a rear bottom segment having a front face        that is provided with a rib which is suitable for co-operating        with the releasing tab so as to hold the locking tongue in a        position in which the second recess is open;    -   the connector is suitable for receiving the end of a third        category of arm, which end consists of a shaped-section member        segment that extends substantially longitudinally forwards, in a        third cylindrical recess of longitudinal major axis, and that is        open in its rear face;    -   the third recess is formed in a separate part mounted on the        connector and that is suitable for being fastened to the        connector by co-operation between complementary shapes;    -   the front segment of the body is provided with a blind hole that        is of longitudinal axis, that is open in its rear face, and that        forms the front end of the third recess, and the bottom face of        the rear segment and the top face of the rear bottom segment of        the body, in combination with the inside vertical longitudinal        faces of the side cheek plates, define a rear segment of the        third recess;    -   the end of an arm belonging to the third category of arm is        provided with a lug which projects upwards relative to the top        face of the end of the arm, and which is suitable for being        received in the access vertical orifice of the rear segment for        longitudinally locking the end of the arm in the position in        which it is mounted in the third recess;    -   a portion of the locking tongue is curved downwards so that, for        at least one size of arm belonging to the first category of arm,        and when the arm is in the assembled position, the film of        material is broken and the locking tongue is deformed        elastically upwards so as to exert a substantially vertical        force downwards on the top face of a horizontal bottom segment        of the end of the arm;    -   the side edges of the locking tongue are extended transversely        outwards by rounded projections;    -   the second tongue is provided with two side studs disposed on        either side of the front longitudinal end of the second tongue,        which studs extend transversely towards the outside of the        connector and pass through respective orifices in the associated        side cheek plates so that the free end of each stud comes flush        with the outside vertical face of the associated cheek plate;    -   the free front end of the second tongue is curved back downwards        so that the end of an arm belonging to the third category of arm        is inserted into the third recess; the second tongue is deformed        elastically upwards, and the free front end of the second tongue        exerts a return force directed substantially downwards on the        top face of the end of the arm;    -   when an arm belonging to the third category of arm is in the        position in which it is mounted in the third recess, each of the        side studs is in vertical abutment against a top edge of the        orifice of the associated cheek plate;    -   the free front end of the second tongue is extended upwards by a        finger so that when the end of an arm belonging to the first        category of arm is in the assembled position, the second tongue        is deformed elastically downwards and acts via the finger to        exert a return force directed substantially upwards on a bottom        face of a horizontal top first segment of the end of the arm;    -   the front end segment of each cheek plate, which segment extends        cantilevered out forwards from the body, is elastically        deformable and, on its inside vertical longitudinal face, is        provided with a ramp-forming abutment so as to retract when the        end of an arm belonging to the first category of arm is        inserted, and so as to lock the U-shaped hook in the position in        which it is mounted around the body of the connector;    -   the ramp-forming abutment extends over a top portion of the        front end segment of the associated cheek plate, and a bottom        portion of the front end segment is provided with an opening for        insertion of the U-shaped hook;    -   the shapes in relief comprise a rib provided on the inside        vertical longitudinal face of each side plate of the connector,        which rib extends longitudinally above the top face of the rear        segment of the body for positioning the end of an arm belonging        to the first category of arm;    -   the ribs are formed so that each of their top faces forms a        vertical bearing surface for the top branch of the U-shaped hook        of at least a first size of arm, and so that their facing        vertical faces transversely position the top branch of the        U-shaped hook of an arm of a second size;    -   the shapes in relief further comprise a second projection        disposed vertically below the body so as to perform, at least in        part, the positioning of the connector against the inside end        wall of the end of an arm belonging to the first category of        arm;    -   the second projection is formed so that its top face vertically        positions the connector for a first size of arm, its bottom face        vertically positions the connector for a second size of arm, and        its inside vertical face transversely positions the connector        for a third size of arm;    -   the bottom face of the locking tongue is provided with ribs for        vertically and/or transversely positioning an arm of the first        category and of at least one size;    -   each positioning rib extends substantially vertically downwards        along a side edge of the bottom face of the locking tongue;    -   the projections of the locking tongue extend transversely so        that the free transverse end of each projection comes flush with        the outside vertical face of the associated cheek plate;    -   each projection is curved so that the curvature of its top face        is substantially complementary to the outside cylindrical wall        of a second pin of the second size;    -   the curvature of a top edge of the opening is substantially        identical to the curvature of the outside cylindrical wall of a        second pin of the second size;    -   each of the side studs has a bearing surface for bearing against        the outside cylindrical surface of a second pin of the second        size, which bearing surface is complementary to said outside        cylindrical wall;    -   each cheek plate is provided with a notch which extends        vertically downwards from the top edge of the associated cheek        plate and which is complementary to a manipulator element for        manipulating the connector;    -   the notch substantially forms an upside-down T-shape in which        the bottom edge of the horizontal branch extends vertically        above the top face of the front element of the body of the        connector; and    -   the ribs extend longitudinally forwards so as to extend to the        front end of the front segment of the body of the connector.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear onreading the following detailed description which, in order to make iteasier to understand, is given with reference to the accompanyingfigures, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of a windshieldwiper, showing a wiper blade unit and the various categories of armsthat can be connected to the wiper blade unit via a connector of theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a detail on a larger scale of the connector of theinvention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a section on line A-A of the connectorshown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal vertical section view of the connector shown inFIG. 1, in a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3, and in which the separatepiece inside which the third recess is formed is fastened to theconnector;

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-section view on line V-V of the connectorshown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6 a to 6 c are vertical longitudinal section views on a largerscale of the rear portion of the body of the connector, showing thevarious positions of the control tab relative to the rear bottom segmentof the body of the connector;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4, showing another embodimentof the connector;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the connector shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 7, in which an arm belonging tothe first category of arm and of the first size is shown in the positionin which it is mounted around the body of the connector;

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-section of the connector and of the arm thatare shown in FIG. 9, showing how the top and bottom branches of theU-shaped hook of the arm bear against said connector;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are views similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10, in which anarm belonging to the first category of arm, and of the second size, isshown in the position in which it is mounted around the body of theconnector;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are views similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10, and inwhich an arm belonging to the first category of arm, and of the thirdsize, is shown in a position in which it is mounted around the body ofthe connector;

FIG. 15 is a view from above and on a larger scale of the front end ofthe connector and of the arm that are shown in FIG. 9, showing how thefront face of the curved intermediate branch of the U-shaped hook bearsagainst the ramp-forming abutments of the connector;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to that of FIG. 9 and in which an armbelonging to the third category of arm is shown in the position in whichit is mounted in the third recess of the connector;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are views similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10, and inwhich an arm belonging to the second category of arm, and of the firstsize, is shown in a position in which it is mounted in the second recessof the connector;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are views similar to that of FIGS. 17 and 18, and inwhich an arm belonging to the second category of arm, and of the secondsize, is shown in a position in which it is mounted in the second recessof the connector;

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic perspective view of another variant embodimentof a connector of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a perspective detailed bottom view and on a larger scale ofthe locking tongue shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective detailed view on a larger scale of the sidestuds of the connector shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a perspective detailed view on a larger scale of theconnector shown in FIG. 21, showing the configuration of the upside-downT-shaped notches;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the connector shown in FIG. 21; and

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the description of the invention, the vertical, longitudinal, andtransverse directions are adopted in non-limiting manner, using theframe of reference V, L, T indicated in FIG. 1.

The rear-to-front direction is also adopted as being the longitudinaldirection, and from right to left with reference to FIG. 1.

In the following description, elements that are identical, similar oranalogous are designated by like references.

FIG. 1 shows a wiper blade unit 30 designed to be mounted pivotallyabout a transverse axis A at the front longitudinal end 34 of awindshield wiper arm 32 a, 32 b, 32 c via an adapter connector 36.

The wiper blade unit 30 has a main bracket 38 provided with two parallellongitudinal flanges 40 interconnected by a transverse top back 42.

At each of its longitudinal ends, the main bracket 38 carries yokes 44mounted pivotally about transverse axes B and themselves carryingsecondary yokes 46 at their ends, which secondary yokes are mountedpivotally about transverse axes C.

At its longitudinal ends, each of the secondary yokes 46 is providedwith fastening claws 48 for fastening to metal spine members 49 forsupporting a wiper blade proper 50 made of a flexible elastomermaterial.

The main bracket 38, the yokes 44 and the secondary yokes 46 form ahinged structure that is deformable in a longitudinal plane that liessubstantially perpendicular to the general plane of the glazing to bewiped (not shown), and which, by means of the spine members 49, makes itpossible to press the blade proper 50 over its entire length against theglazing while distributing the contact pressure uniformly between thewiper blade proper 50 and the glazing over the entire length of thewiper blade unit 30.

In its central portion, the main bracket 38 of the wiper blade unit 30is provided with a top opening 52 formed in its top back 42 and in whicha transverse rod 54 is provided that interconnects the two flanges 40and that forms a first transverse axis A about which the wiper bladeunit 30 is mounted pivotally relative to the wiper arm 32 a, 32 b, 32 c.

FIG. 1 also shows the free ends 34 of three different windshield wiperarms 32 a, 32 b, 32 c, each of which represents a category of windshieldwiper arm existing on current motor vehicles, each of which is suitablefor receiving the wiper blade unit 30 via the same connector 36.

A first category of arm 32 a is constituted by a type of arm that hasits end in the form of a U-shaped hook, and comprising a horizontal topbranch 56 extending substantially horizontally forwards, a curvedC-shaped intermediate branch 58 whose top end is connected to the frontlongitudinal end of the top branch 56, and a horizontal bottom branch 60that extends longitudinally rearwards from the bottom end of theintermediate branch 58.

The arms 32 a of said first category can be of a plurality of sizes,each of which is defined by the width L and by the thickness E of eachbranch. In the following description, reference is made to threedifferent arm sizes. For each size, the group (L; E; H) formed by thevalues in millimeters (mm) of the width L, of the thickness E, and ofthe height H of the hook is a respective one of the following groups:(9; 3; 6.7); (9; 4; 10.7); and (8; 3; 6.7).

A second category of arm 32 b is constituted by a type of arm that hasits end 34 extending longitudinally forwards and carrying, on one of itsside faces 34 a, a transverse pin 62 having an outside cylindricalsurface that is provided with a peripheral groove 64 of rectangularsection. The arms 32 b of the second category can be of a first size orof a second size, each size corresponding to a respective outsidediameter for the pin 62. In the following description, the arm 32 b ofthe first size is the arm for which the outside diameter of the pin 62is the smaller, i.e. 4.8 mm in this example, and the arm 32 b of thesecond size is the arm for which the outside diameter of the pin 62 isthe larger, i.e. 6.35 mm in this example.

Finally, a third category of arm 32 c is constituted by a type of armthat has its end 34 consisting of a single horizontal longitudinalsegment of rectangular cross-section, and carrying a projecting lug 64on its top face 34 s.

The connector 36 makes it possible to connect the wiper blade unit 30 toany of the arms 32 a, 32 b, 32 c belonging to the respective categoriesof arms and of any one of the above-mentioned sizes.

In a known manner, the connector 36 is formed in one piece by molding,generally by molding a plastics material.

As can be seen in greater details in FIGS. 2 and 2 a, the connectorincludes two parallel vertical side cheek plates 66 that are designed tobe received snugly through the opening 52 in the back 42 of the mainbracket 38, between the two flanges 40 of the main bracket 38, so as toposition the connector 36 transversely relative to the main bracket 38of the wiper blade unit 30.

The two side cheek plates 66 are interconnected by a transverse body 68which defines a first cylindrical recess 70 that is complementary to thefirst hinge pin 54, and into which the first hinge pin can be insertedradially.

For this purpose, the first recess is open along its bottom transversegenerator line, and each of the two cheek plates 66 is provided with anopening 72 that extends vertically downwards from the first recess 70 tothe bottom edge 66 b of the associated cheek plate 66. The longitudinaldimension of the first recess 70 is determined so that the distancebetween its longitudinal edges 70 a is less than the outside diameter ofthe first hinge pin 54, the first hinge pin 54 being inserted into thefirst recess 70 by the body 68 deforming elastically.

As can be seen in greater detail, in particular in FIG. 2A, the body 68is made up of a front first segment 74 that defines the first recess 70and of a rear second segment 76 that extends longitudinally andhorizontally behind the front segment 74 so that its top face 76 s isdisposed substantially at the same height, in the vertical direction, asthe top face 74 s of the front segment 74.

In order to connect the wiper blade unit 30 to an arm 32 a belonging tothe first category of arm, the body 68 of the connector 36 is suitablefor being received against the inside end wall of the end of the arm 32a in the form of a U-shaped hook, the two cheek plates 66 of theconnector 36 being disposed transversely on either side of the end 34 ofthe arm 32 a.

For this purpose, the front cylindrical face 74 a of the front segment74 is convex and is so shaped that, when the connector 36 is received inthe end 34 of the arm 32 a, at least one transverse generator line ofthe front cylindrical face 74 a is in contact with the concave rearcylindrical face 58 b of the intermediate branch 58 of the arm 32 a.

In addition, shapes in relief 78 are provided on the inside verticallongitudinal faces 66 i facing the side cheek plates 66 for positioningthe connector 36 vertically and transversely relative to the end 34 ofthe arm 32 a.

The shapes in relief 78 comprise firstly a rib 78 a that extendslongitudinally above the top face 76 s of the rear segment of the body,and behind the top face 74 s of the front segment 74 of the body 68.

The two ribs 78 a have rectangular dimensions, which are determined sothat the distance between their facing vertical longitudinal faces isequal to the smallest width L of arm, i.e. 8 mm in this example.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, when the U-shaped hook 34 is in theposition in which it is mounted around the body 68 of the connector 36,the top branch 34 of the U-shaped hook bears against the top horizontallongitudinal faces of the two ribs 78 a when the width L of the arm 32 ais the largest, so as to position the U-shaped hook vertically. Also, asshown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the top branch 56 of the U-shaped hook bearsagainst the top face 76 s of the rear segment when the width L of thearm is the smallest width.

The shapes in relief 78 further comprise a projection 78 b formed on theinside vertical longitudinal face 66 i of each cheek plate 66, providedvertically below the body 68 of the connector 36, and of V-shapedvertical cross-section so as to position the bottom branch 60 of theU-shaped end of the arm 32 a vertically and/or transversely.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, for the first size of arm 32 a, thebottom branch 60 of the U-shaped hook bears against the top faces of thetwo projections 78 b, for the second size of arm 32 a, the side edges ofthe bottom branch 60 of the U-shaped arm bear against the bottom facesof the two projections 78 b, and for the third size of arm 32 a, thebottom branch 60 of the U-shaped hook bears against the transverse endsof each projection 78 b.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 15, in order to lock the U-shaped hook in theposition in which it is mounted around the body 68 of the connector 36,each cheek plate 66 extends longitudinally in front of the body 68 and,on its inside vertical longitudinal face 66 i, it is provided with aramp-forming abutment whose dimensions are determined so that thedistance “d” between the inside ends of the two ramps 80 is less thanthe smallest width L of the arm 32 a.

Each abutment 80 consists of a portion of the cheek plate 66 that isdeformed towards the inside of the connector 36, in V-shaped manner.Thus, the abutment 80 keeps a thickness identical to the thickness ofthe associated cheek plate 66. This is a major advantage when theconnector 36 is formed by molding because the abutment 80 has no extrathickness that might be detrimental to its strength.

In addition, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 9, 11, and 13, theabutment 80 extends over the top portion of the front segment 66 a ofthe associated cheek plate 66, and the bottom portion of the frontsegment 66 a of the cheek plate 66 is provided with an opening 81.

By means of this opening 81, on inserting the U-shaped hook around thebody 68, the bottom branch 60 of the U-shaped hook does not come intocontact with the abutments 80. This makes it possible to position theU-shaped hook vertically relative to the body 68 of the connector 36,without the user having to perform complex manipulations, and before theU-shaped hook is finally inserted around the body 68 of the connector36.

The front end 66 a of each cheek plate 66 that extends cantilevered outin front of the body 68 is elastically deformable so that, while theU-shaped hook is being inserted around the body 68 of the connector 36,the front segments 66A of the two cheek plates 66 deform elastically bymoving apart from each other, and, when the U-shaped hook is in theposition in which it is mounted around the body 68 of the connector 36,the front segments 66 a of the two cheek plates 66 return resiliently totheir original shapes so that the ramp-forming abutments 80longitudinally lock the U-shaped hook in the position in which it ismounted around the body 68 of the connector 36.

Also, the ramp-forming abutments 80 are arranged longitudinally on theinside faces 66 i of the cheek plates 66 so that, when the U-shaped hookis in the position in which it is mounted around the body 68 of theconnector 36, the front face 58 a of the curved intermediate branch 58of the U-shaped hook bears against the rear face 80 b of each abutment80, regardless of the size of the arm 32 a.

The complex shapes of the connector 36 make it difficult to manufacture.As regards the projections 78 b, the molding constraints require them tobe positioned at different longitudinal design dimensions.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show another embodiment of the connector 36. In thisembodiment, the positioning function of the projections 78 b isperformed by positioning ribs 124 on the locking tongue 86, which ribsextend vertically downwards along each side edge of the locking tongue86.

The distance between the positioning ribs 124 is equal to the width L ofan arm of the third size, i.e. equal to 8 mm. As a result, when an arm32 a of the third size is in the position in which it is assembled withthe connector 36, the bottom branch 60 of the U-shaped hook is receivedbetween the positioning ribs 124, and the top face 60 s is in abutmentagainst the bottom face 86 i of the locking tongue 86.

The arm 32 a of the third size is positioned vertically and transverselyby the positioning ribs 124 and by the locking tongue 86.

When an arm 32 b belonging to the second category of arm is connected tothe wiper blade unit 30, its transverse pin 62, which is referred tobelow as the “second transverse pin”, passes through a hole 82 having atleast the same dimensions, which hole is provided in each longitudinalflange 40 of the main bracket 38, the side face 34 a of the arm 32 bthat carries the second hinge pin 62 coming into abutment against thefacing vertical longitudinal face 40 a of a flange 40 of the bracket 38.

Thus, the wiper blade unit 30 is hinged to the arm 32 a to pivot about asecond transverse axis A′ defined by the second pin 62 of the arm 32 b.The function of the connector 36 is then merely to lock the second pin62 transversely relative the wiper blade unit 30.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the body 68 of the connector 36defines a second cylindrical recess 84 of transverse axis and into whichthe second pin 62 can be inserted transversely. The second recess 84 inthe body 68 is defined in part by the bottom face 76 i of the rearsegment 76 of the body 68, which face is provided with a concave portion85, and it is also defined in part by a locking tongue 86 which extendslongitudinally rearwards from the front segment 74 of the body 68,facing the rear segment 76 of the body 68, the top face 86 s of thetongue being provided with a concave portion 88 facing the concaveportion 85 of the rear segment 76.

The locking tongue 86 is elastically deformable so as to retract toenable the second pin 62 to be inserted into the second recess 84, and,when the second pin 62 is in the position in which it is mounted in thesecond recess 84, it is suitable for exerting a locking force that tendsto press the second pin 62 against the bottom face 76 i of the rearsegment 76 of the body 68.

In order to lock the second pin 62 relative to the wiper blade unit 30,the connector 36 has a locking element that is suitable for beingreceived in part in the peripheral groove 64 in the second pin 62 whensaid second pin is in the position in which it is mounted in the secondrecess.

In a first embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the locking member consists of alocking lug 92 which is carried by the top face 86 s of the lockingtongue 86.

In a second embodiment (not shown), the locking element is carried bythe bottom face 76 i of the rear segment 76 of the body 68.

Finally, in a third embodiment of the connector, shown in particular inFIGS. 2 and 7, the locking element consists of a second tongue 114 whichis also elastically deformable and which extends longitudinally forwardsfrom the front longitudinal end of the rear segment 76 of the body 68 ofthe connector 36, and, in a preferred embodiment, the front longitudinalend 114 a of the second tongue 114 is provided longitudinally behind thefront segment 74 of the body 36.

The second tongue 114 is elastically deformable so as to retract upwardsto enable a second pin 62 to be inserted, and so as to be received atleast in part in the peripheral groove 64 in the second pin 62 so as tolock the second pin 62 transversely, in association with the lockingtongue 86.

For this purpose, the transverse width of the second tongue 114 iscomplementary to the width of the annular groove 64 in the second pin62.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, in order to limit thedeformation of the second tongue 114 in the horizontal plane, the frontlongitudinal end 114 a of the second tongue 114 is provided with twoside studs 116 disposed on either side of the second tongue 114 and thatextend transversely towards the outside of the connector 36 whilepassing through an opening 82 associated with each cheek plate 66 of theconnector 36 so that the free transverse end of each side stud 116 isflush with the outside longitudinal vertical face 66 e of the associatedcheek plate 66.

Thus, when the connector is in the position in which it is mountedthrough the opening 52 in the back 42 of the main bracket 38 of thewiper blade unit 30, the free end of each side stud 116 is in abutmentagainst the inside vertical longitudinal face of a flange 40 of the mainbracket 42 of the wiper blade unit 30, thereby transversely locking thesecond tongue 114.

In the invention, and as shown in the figures, the rear longitudinal end86 b of the locking tongue 86 is normally connected to the body 68 via afilm of material 90.

The mechanical characteristics of the film of material 90, i.e. itsresistance to rupture, are determined such that inserting a second pin62 of the second size into the second recess 84 in the connector 36causes the locking tongue 86 to deform elastically downwards through alarge amplitude, thereby causing the film of material 90 to break.

In addition, the mechanical characteristics of the film of material 90are determined so that inserting a second pin 62 of the first size intothe second recess 84 does not cause the film of material 90 to break,the locking tongue 86 then being connected to the body 68 via its twoends 86 a, 86 b, thereby reducing its range of movement.

When the locking tongue 86 is connected to the body 68 via its twolongitudinal ends 86 a, 86 b, inserting a second pin 62 of the firstsize causes the locking tongue 86 to deform at each of its ends 86 a, 86b, thereby resulting in high stiffness for the locking tongue 86.

Thus, when a second pin 62 of the first size is in position in thesecond recess 84, the locking tongue 86 exerts a radial force on thesecond axis 62 that is larger when it is connected to the body 68 viaboth of its ends 86 a, 86 b than when it is connected to the body 68 viaa single end 86 a.

Regardless of the size of the second pin 62, the locking tongue 86exerts a resilient force on the second pin 62, which resilient force issufficiently large to prevent a transverse force between the arm 32 band the blade unit 30 from causing, via the locking element, the lockingtongue 86 to deform downwards and thus from causing the locking elementto disengage from the groove 64 in the second pin 62.

However, when it is desired to release the wiper blade unit from thewiper arm 32 b, it is necessary to move the second pin 62 transverselyin the second recess 84 of the connector 36.

That is why the rear longitudinal end 86 b of the locking tongue 86 isextended by a control tab 94 for releasing the second pin 62 and thatenables a user to cause the locking tongue 86 to be deformed downwards,thereby enabling the locking lug 92 or the second tongue 114 todisengage from the annular grove 64 in the second pin 62, so that thesecond pin 62 is no longer prevented from moving transversely.

As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the control tab 94 extends longitudinallyrearwards from the rear longitudinal end 86 b of the locking tongue 86,so that action on the control tab 94 consisting of a force directedsubstantially vertically downwards causes the locking tongue 86 to bedeformed downwards to an extent sufficient to enable the locking tongue86 or the locking lug 92 to be disengaged from the annular groove 64.

When the second pin 62 which is received in the second recess 84 of theconnector 36 is of the first size, the locking tongue 86 is thenconnected to the body 68 of the connector 36 by both of its ends 86 a,86 b, and action on the control tab 94 then causes the film of material90 to break so as to enable the locking tongue 86 to deform to a largeextent.

In order to increase the stiffness of the connector 36, as shown inparticular in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rear segment 76 of the body 68 of theconnector 36 extends longitudinally rearwards beyond the control tab 94,in a manner such as to prevent access thereto.

Access to the control tab 94 is then via the bottom portion of theconnector 36, which can be particularly awkward for the user.

That is why, as shown in particular in FIGS. 2 and 7, the free frontlongitudinal end 114 a of the second tongue 114 is extended by a finger118 which extends substantially upwards beyond the top face of the frontsegment 74 of the body.

The user can then take hold of the finger 118 to cause the second tongue114 to be elastically deformed upwards until it is disengaged from thegroove 64 in the second pin 62.

In another variant embodiment of the invention, the body 68 of theconnector 36 has a rear bottom third segment 98 that makes it possiblefirstly to increase the stiffness of the connector 36, and whichsecondly locks the locking tongue 86 in two positions shown in FIGS. 6Band 6C, making it possible respectively to lock the second pin 62 and toremove said second pin.

For this purpose, the front face 98 a of the rear bottom segment isprovided with a rib 100 which extends longitudinally forwards, and whichhas a top face 100 s against which the rear longitudinal end 86 b of thelocking tongue 86 comes into abutment when a second pin 62 of the secondsize is inserted into the second recess 84. The locking tongue 86 isthen locked in a first position in which it locks the second pin 62, andin which movement of the rear longitudinal end 86 b of the lockingtongue 86 is limited to make it possible to exert a radial force on thesecond pin 62 that is larger.

In addition, manual action on the control tab 94 causes the rearlongitudinal end 86 b of the locking tongue 86 to be moved to a largerextent so that it comes to be positioned below the rear bottom segment98 of the body 68. The locking tongue 86 is then itself locked in asecond position enabling the second pin 62 to be removed.

The vertical longitudinal walls of the annular groove 64 generally formright angles relative to the outside cylindrical wall of the second pin62. Thus, when it is desired that the second pin 62 be inserted into orwithdrawn from the second recess 84 of the connector 36, thelongitudinal edge of the locking tongue 86 comes into abutment against avertical wall of the groove 64, making it difficult to insert or toremove the second pin 62.

That is why, in a variant embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 18,the side edges of the locking tongue 86 are extended transverselytowards the outside of the connector 36 by rounded projections 122 whichmake it possible to facilitate deformation of the locking tongue 86 wheninserting or extracting the second pin 62.

In order to connect the wiper blade unit 30 to an arm 32 c belonging tothe third category of arm, the connector 36 is provided with a thirdrecess 102 that is substantially cylindrical but of rectangularcross-section that is complementary to the cross-section of the arm 32c, whose major axis is longitudinal and which is open in its rear faceso that the end 34 of the arm 32 c can be inserted longitudinallyforwards.

In a first embodiment of the third cylindrical recess 102, shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, said third recess is formed in a separate part 104 thatis fastened to the body 68 of the connector 36 by co-operation betweencomplementary shapes.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the transverse dimensions of the separate part104 are complementary to the transverse dimensions of the connector 36so that the separate part 104 is received without any transverseclearance between the inside faces 66 i of the cheek plates 66 of theconnector 36.

Also, the separate part 104 is provided with shapes in relief 106 thatco-operate with complementary shapes in relief 78 a of the connector 36for longitudinally and vertically positioning the separate part 104 onthe connector 36. Finally, the separate part is provided withelastically deformable catches 108 for locking it in the position inwhich it is mounted on the body 68 of the connector 36.

In another embodiment of the third recess 102, shown in particular inFIGS. 7 and 16, said recess is formed in the body 68 of the connector 36so that each segment 74, 76, 98 of the body 68 defines the third recess102 in part.

Thus, the front segment 74 of the body 68 is provided with a notch 110of longitudinal axis and that is open in its rear face so as to form thefront end of the third recess 102. The bottom face 76 i of the rearsegment 76 and the top face 98 s of the rear bottom segment 98 of thebody 68 have respective horizontal portions that define respective onesof the top face and of the bottom face of the third recess 102.

Finally, the facing inside vertical longitudinal faces 66 i of the cheekplates 66 of the connector 36 define the side walls of the third recess102.

In a known embodiment, an arm 32 c belonging to the third category ofarm is longitudinally locked by means of a lug 65 projecting upwardsrelative to the top face 34 s of the end 34 of the arm 32 c and that isdisposed longitudinally at a standard distance from the front end face34 a of the arm. Said lug 65 is received in a complementary orifice 96of the connector.

In general, the connector 36 is designed with dimensional differences soas to enable an arm 32 a, 32 b, 32 c to be mounted without any majordifficulty.

However, once the arm 32 a, 32 b, 32 c is in the position in which it isassembled with the connector 36, the dimensional differences result inclearance between the connector 36 and the arm 32 a, 32 b, 32 c, and,when the windshield wiper is in use, that clearance is the source ofpremature wear on the wiper blade proper 50, or of unpleasant noise.

That is why clearance take-up means are provided for taking up theclearance between the arms 32 a, 32 b, 32 c and the connector 36, whichmeans make it possible to limit, or even to reduce such vibration.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 13, a first embodiment of said clearancetake-up means consists of a bottom portion 86 i of the locking tongue 86that is curved downwards, so that, when an arm 32 a belonging to thefirst category of arms is in the position in which it is mounted aroundthe body 68 of the connector 36, the locking tongue 86 exerts a forcedirected downwards on the top face 60 s of the horizontal bottom segment60 of the U-shaped hook.

Thus, for the first size, i.e., in this example, (9; 3; 6.7), as shownin FIG. 9, the film of material 90 is broken and the locking tongue 86is deformed elastically upwards so as to exert a downward resilientreturn force on the top face 60 s of the horizontal bottom segment 60 ofthe U-shaped hook.

For the third size of arm, i.e. (8; 3; 6.7), as shown in FIG. 13, thefilm of material 90 does not break, and the locking tongue 86 iselastically deformed upwards to a small extent so as to exert a downwardresilient return force on the top face 60 s of the horizontal bottomsegment 60 of the U-shaped hook.

In another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 7 to 20, theclearance take-up means are implemented by means of the second tongue114 which is itself also elastically deformable.

The front longitudinal end 114 a of the second tongue 114 is curved backdownwards so that, when the end 34 of an arm 32 c belonging to the thirdcategory of arm is in the position in which it is mounted in the thirdrecess 102 of the body 68, the free front end 114 a of the second tongue114 is in contact with the top face 34 s of the end 34 of the arm 32 c,and the second tongue 114 is deformed upwards.

The upward deformation of the second tongue 114 is limited by the factthat the side studs 116 come vertically upwards into abutment against atop edge 82 a of the opening 82.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 16, the second tongue 114 exerts a return forcethat is directed substantially downwards on the top face 34 s of the end34 of the arm 32 c, thereby making it possible to take up clearancebetween the connector 36 and an arm 32 c belonging to the third categoryof arm, and to prevent the arm 32 c from pivoting relative to theconnector 36.

The finger 118 of the second tongue 114 also makes it possible to takeup clearance by coming into abutment against the bottom longitudinalface 56 i of the top branch 56 of the U-shaped hook of an arm 32 abelonging to the first category of arm, and for at least one of thethree sizes of arm 32 a.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 9, 11, and 13, when the end 34 of an arm 32 abelonging to the first category of arm is in the position in which it ismounted around the body 68 of the connector 36, the second tongue 114 isdeformed elastically downwards, and, via the finger 118, it exerts areturn force that is directed substantially upwards on the bottom face56 i of the horizontal top segment 56 of the end 34 of the arm 32 a,thereby making it possible to take up the clearance.

As indicated above, the second tongue 114 is suitable for deformingupwards or downwards as a function of the category of arm 32 a, 32 b, 32c. As far as possible, the openings 82 in the cheek plates 66, whichopenings pass the studs 116 of the second tongue 114, extend verticallyso as to allow the studs 116 to move vertically upwards and downwards oninserting the end 34 of an arm 32 a, 32 b, 32 c.

However, in order to limit the amplitude of the upward movement of thesecond tongue 114 when inserting an arm 32 b belonging to the secondcategory of arm, the openings 82 of the cheek plates 66 are dimensionedso that the studs 116 of the second tongue 114 come vertically upwardsinto abutment against the respective top edges 82 a of the associatedopening 82.

Thus, the deformation of the second tongue 114 remains less than theelastic limit of the material, which makes it possible to use theconnector again for connecting the arm 32 c to a new wiper blade unit30.

The cheek plates 66 of the connector 36 are described above as eachhaving two openings 82 that pass respectively the second pin 62 of anarm 32 b belonging to the second category of arm, and a side stud 116 ofthe second tongue 114. However, it should be understood that each cheekplate 66 can be provided with a single opening 82 which consists of theabove-described openings joined together.

When the wiper mechanism is operating, and when an arm 32 b of thesecond category is connected to the wiper blade unit 30 via theconnector 36, the second pin 62 pivots in the second recess 84.

The second pin 62 of the second size is of large dimensions, itsperipheral surface area is thus also large. Thus, while it is moving inthe second recess 84, the friction between the second pin 62 and theassociated walls of the connector 36 causes major wear on saidassociated walls.

That wear is a source of considerable amounts of play between the secondpin 62 and the connector 36, it being possible for such play to causethe locking element to be disengaged from the groove 64 of the secondpin 62 and thus to cause the arm 32 b to be disunited from the wiperblade unit 30.

In another variant embodiment of the invention, and as shown in FIGS. 22to 26, the areas of contact between the connector 36 and the second pin62 of the second size are larger than the areas of contact between theconnector 36 and a second pin 62 of the first size.

In a first aspect of this variant embodiment, the areas of contact areincreased at the locking tongue 86.

For this purpose, as can be seen in FIG. 25, the top face 86 s of thelocking tongue 86 is convex, and it is complementary to the outsidecylindrical surface of the second pin 62.

Also, the projections 122 of the locking tongue 86 extend transverselyso that their free transverse ends come flush with the outside verticallongitudinal faces 66 e of the respective associated cheek plates 66. Inaddition, the projections 122 are curved so that their top faces 122 sare also complementary to the outside cylindrical surface of the secondpin 62.

Another surface of contact between the second pin 62 and the connector36 is situated at a top edge 82 s of the opening 82 in each cheek 66.Thus, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the top edge 82 s of each opening 82,against which edge the second pin 62 bears, is also curved so as to becomplementary to the outside cylindrical surface of the second pin 62.

Finally, as can be seen in greater details in FIG. 23, the side studs116 of the second tongue 114 are also provided with bearing surfaces 116a for bearing against the outside cylindrical surface of a second pin 62of the second size that are complementary to the outside cylindricalsurface of the second pin 62.

All of these faces thus make it possible to reduce the pressure betweenthe second pin 62 and the connector 36, and thus to limit the wear onthe connector.

The opening 82 in each cheek plate 66 is thus defined by a plurality ofedges, each of which has a function for operation of the connector 36.

These edges consist of:

a first top edge 82 a, situated at the front of the opening 82, andwhich acts as an abutment for the side stud 116 associated with thesecond tongue 114;

a second top edge 82 s, situated at the back of the opening 82, andwhich has a vertical dimension relative to the connector 36 that is lessthan the vertical dimension of the first top edge; the second edge iscurved so as to form a surface complementary to the outside cylindricalsurface of a second pin 62 of the second size, so as to limit wear onthe connector 36;

a rear vertical edge 82 b against which the outside cylindrical surfaceof a second pin 62 of the second size comes to bear for positioning thesecond pin 62; and

a bottom edge 82 i and a front edge 82 c against which edges theprojections 122 on the locking tongue come into abutment to delimit theextent to which the locking tongue 86 can move.

A connector 36 of the invention makes it possible for a user to connecta wiper blade unit 30 to a drive arm 32 a, 32 b, 32 c without having toworry whether the connector is indeed adapted to the type of arm.

Since this connector 36 accommodates any type of arm, it can then bemounted on the wiper blade unit 30 prior to delivery. Assembling theconnector 36 with the wiper blade unit 30 requires means for enabling itto be taken hold of by a manipulator element.

Such means comprise firstly the orifice 96 which is suitable forreceiving a centering finger (not shown) on the manipulator element, andthey further comprise a notch 126 provided in each cheek plate 66, andthat extends vertically downwards from the top surface of the cheekplate 66.

In order to enable the connector 36 to be manipulated, the notch 126 isupside-down T-shaped, i.e. the horizontal branch of the T is situatedbelow its vertical branch. Each notch 126 is suitable for receiving asecond finger (not shown) of complementary shape for the purpose ofmanipulating the connector 36.

In addition, each notch 126 is arranged longitudinally such that itsvertical transverse plane of symmetry has the same longitudinaldimension as the transverse axis A. Thus, while the connector 36 isbeing mounted onto the wiper blade unit 30, i.e. while the first hingepin 54 is being inserted into the first cylindrical recess 70, thesecond finger of the manipulator element exerts a vertical insertionforce that is centered on the transverse hinge axis A, and thus thatlimits potential deformation of the connector that might damage it.

In a first embodiment of said notches 126, shown in FIG. 21, the bottomedge of the horizontal branch of each notch 126 comes flush with the topface 74 s of the front element 74 of the body 68, which makes itpossible to exert an insertion force on a larger horizontal area.

In a second embodiment of said notches 126 shown in FIG. 24, the bottomedge of the horizontal branch of each notch 126 extends above the topface 74 s of the front element 74 of the body 68. Thus, the associatedrib 78 a can extend longitudinally forwards to the front end of thefront segment 74 of the body 68, thereby making it possible to increasethe surface area for supporting the top branch 56 of the U-shaped hook.

It will also be understood that simple mechanical inversions canconstitute variant embodiments of the invention. For example, thelocking tongue 86 can extend longitudinally forwards from the rearbottom segment 98, and be connected to the front segment 74 via the filmof material 90. Similarly, the second tongue 114 can extendlongitudinally rearwards from the front segment 74, without going beyondthe technical field of the invention.

Finally, the connector 36 is described above as making it possible toconnect a windshield wiper arm 32 a, 32 b, 32 c to a wiper blade unit 30having a hinged structure. It will be understood that a connector 36 ofthe invention can also connect an arm 32 a, 32 b, 32 c to a blade unit30 in which the hinged structure is replaced with a “flat-blade”structure, i.e. a structure having spine members.

1. A connector for connecting a windshield wiper arm to a firsttransverse hinge pin belonging to a structure element of a wiper bladeunit, the connector comprising: two parallel vertical side cheek platesinterconnected by a body, the body defining a first recess into whichthe first transverse hinge pin can be inserted radially, wherein thebody has an outside convex cylindrical face portion, and an insidevertical longitudinal face of each of the side cheek plates of theconnector has a shaped relief comprising a longitudinally extending rib,the convex cylindrical face portion and the two opposing inside verticallongitudinal faces of the side cheek plates configured to receive aninside wall of the end of an arm that belongs to a first category ofarm, which end is in the form of a U-shaped hook such that a top branchof the U-shaped hook of the first category of arm is born against a tophorizontal longitudinal face of the rib of the shaped relief, whereinthe connector has a second cylindrical recess, for receiving a secondtransverse pin of an arm that belongs to a second category of arm andthat extends transversely from a side edge of the end of the secondcategory arm; the recess defined in part by an elastically deformablelocking tongue extending longitudinally between the side cheek platesand a first longitudinal end of the locking tongue is fastened to thebody, adjacent the outside convex cylindrical face portion, the lockingtongue resiliently retracting, to be inserted, and causing the secondtransverse pin to be locked transversely in a position in which it ismounted in the second cylindrical recess, and wherein a secondlongitudinal end of the locking tongue is fixedly connected to the bodyby a film of material, and the dimensions of the film are determined sothat the second recess receives a second transverse pin of a first or ofa second size, the second size having a larger diameter than the firstsize, wherein when the second transverse pin of the first size isinserted into the second recess, the film of material remains intact andresiliently flexes to lock the second transverse pin within the secondrecess, and wherein inserting the second transverse pin of the secondsize into the second recess causes the film of material to break,enabling the locking tongue to resiliently flex downwardly to receiveand to lock the second transverse pin within the second recess.
 2. Theconnector according to claim 1, wherein the body further comprises afront segment defining the first recess, a front outside wall of thefront segment being suitable for being received against an inside endwall of the U-shaped hook of the first category of arm, and a rearsegment extending horizontally above the locking tongue, a horizontaltop face of the rear segment defining a bearing face for bearing againsta top branch of the U-shaped hook, and a bottom face of the rear segmentbeing provided with a concave portion that defines in part the secondrecess, in association with a concave portion of a top face of thelocking tongue.
 3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the bodyfurther comprises a locking element suitable for being received in anannular groove formed in a cylindrical wall of the second transverse pinof the first size or of the second size for locking the second pintransversely in a position in which it is mounted in the second recess.4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the locking tongue exertsa resilient locking force on the second transverse pin so as to preventthe locking element from disengaging from the annular groove.
 5. Theconnector according to claim 3, wherein the locking element furthercomprises a second elastically deformable tongue that extendssubstantially longitudinally forwards from a front longitudinal end ofthe rear segment of the body, the second elastically deformable tonguebeing suitable for retracting upwards to enable the second transversepin to be inserted, and being suitable for being received at least inpart in a peripheral groove in the second transverse pin so as to lockthe second transverse pin transversely, in association with the lockingtongue.
 6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein the secondelastically deformable tongue has a transverse width complementary to awidth of the annular groove in the second transverse pin.
 7. Theconnector according to claim 5, wherein the connector is suitable forreceiving an end of a third category of arm, the end of the thirdcategory of arm comprising a shaped-section member segment that extendssubstantially longitudinally forwards in a third cylindrical recess of alongitudinal major axis, and that is open in a rear face thereof.
 8. Theconnector according to claim 5, wherein the second tongue is providedwith two side studs disposed on either side of a front longitudinal endof the second tongue, the side studs extending transversely towards anoutside of the connector and passing through respective plurality oforifices in the associated side cheek plates so that a free end of eachstud comes flush with an outside vertical longitudinal face of theassociated cheek plate.
 9. The connector according to claim 8, whereinthe arm belonging to the third category of arm is in a position in whichthe arm is mounted in the third recess, each of the side studs being invertical abutment against a top edge of the orifice of the associatedcheek plate.
 10. The connector according to claim 8, wherein each of theside studs has a bearing surface for bearing against an outsidecylindrical surface of the second transverse pin, the bearing surfacebeing complementary to the outside cylindrical surface of the secondtransverse pin.
 11. The connector according to claim 7, wherein a freefront end of the second tongue is curved back downwards so that the endof the arm belonging to the third category is inserted into the thirdrecess, the second tongue being deformed elastically upwards and thefree front end of the second tongue exerting a return force directedsubstantially downwards on a top face of the end of the arm belonging tothe third category.
 12. The connector according to claim 5, wherein thefree front end of the second tongue is extended upwards by a finger sothat when the end of the arm belonging to the first category is in anassembled position, the second tongue is deformed elastically downwardsand acts via the finger to exert a return force directed substantiallyupwards on a bottom face of a horizontal top first segment of the end ofthe arm belonging to the first category.
 13. The connector according toclaim 2, wherein the first longitudinal end of the elasticallydeformable locking tongue is fastened to the front segment.
 14. Theconnector according to claim 2, wherein the body further comprises arear bottom segment having a front face that is provided with a ribwhich is suitable for cooperating with a releasing tab so as to hold theelastically deformable locking tongue in a position in which the secondrecess is open.
 15. The connector according to claim 14, wherein therear bottom segment comprises a bottom bearing face for bearing againsta top face of a horizontal bottom segment of the end of the armbelonging to the first category of arm.
 16. The connector according toclaim 14, wherein the connector is suitable for receiving an end of athird category of arm, the end of the third category of arm comprising ashaped-section member segment that extends substantially longitudinallyforwards in a third cylindrical recess of a longitudinal major axis, andthat is open in a rear face thereof.
 17. The connector according toclaim 16, wherein the front segment of the body is provided with a notchof a longitudinal axis thereof the notch being open in a rear facethereof and forming a front end of the third recess, and the bottom faceof the rear segment and a top face of the rear bottom segment of thebody, in combination with the two vertical longitudinal faces on theinside of the side cheek plates, defining a rear segment of the thirdrecess.
 18. The connector according to claim 16, wherein the end of thearm belonging to the third category of arm is provided with a lug whichprojects upwards relative to a top face of the end of the arm belongingto the third category, and the end of the arm is suitable for beingreceived in a vertical orifice of the rear segment for longitudinallylocking the end of the arm belonging to the third category in a positionin which it is mounted in the third recess.
 19. The connector accordingto claim 2, wherein the shaped relief comprise a rib provided on thevertical longitudinal face facing inside thereof of each side plate ofthe connector, the rib extending longitudinally above the top face ofthe rear segment of the body for positioning the end of the armbelonging to the first category.
 20. The connector according to claim19, wherein the rib is formed so that a top face of the rib forms avertical bearing surface for a top branch of the U-shaped hook having atleast a first size of arm, and so that a vertical face thereoftransversely positions the top branch of the U-shaped hook of the arm ofa second size.
 21. The connector according to claim 2, wherein eachcheek plate is provided with a notch which extends vertically downwardsfrom a top edge of the associated cheek plate and which is complementaryto a manipulator element for manipulating the connector.
 22. Theconnector according to claim 21, wherein the notch substantially formsan upside-down T-shape in which a bottom edge of a horizontal branch ofthe T-shape extends vertically above a top face of the front segment ofthe body of the connector.
 23. The connector according to claim 1,wherein a portion of the locking tongue is curved downwards so that forat least one size of the arm belonging to the first category position,in an assembled the film of material is broken, and the locking tongueis deformed elastically upwards so as to exert a substantially verticalforce downwards on the top face of the horizontal bottom segment of theend of the arm belonging to the first category.
 24. The connectoraccording to claim 23, wherein for at least a second size of the armbelonging to the first category, the film of material connects thesecond longitudinal end of the locking tongue to the body so as to exerta substantially vertical force downwards on the top face of a secondhorizontal bottom segment of the end of the arm belonging to the firstcategory.
 25. The connector according to claim 1, wherein each side edgeof the locking tongue facing a respective one of the side cheek platesis extended transversely outwards by a rounded projection.
 26. Theconnector according to claim 1, wherein a front end segment of eachcheek plate extends cantilevered out forwards from the body and iselastically deformable and is provided with a ramp-forming abutment onthe vertical longitudinal face facing inside thereof so as to retractwhen the end of the arm belonging to the first category is inserted, andso as to lock the U-shaped hook in a position in which it is mountedaround the body of the connector.
 27. The connector according to claim26, wherein the ramp-forming abutment extends over a top portion of thefront end segment of the associated cheek plate, and a bottom portion ofthe front end segment is provided with an opening for insertion of theU-shaped hook.
 28. The connector according to claim 1, wherein theshaped relief further comprises a second projection disposed verticallybelow the body so as to perform at least in part a positioning of theconnector against an inside wall of the end of the arm belonging to thefirst category.
 29. The connector according to claim 28, wherein thesecond projection is formed so that a top face thereof verticallypositions the connector for a first size of the arm belonging to thefirst category, a bottom face thereof vertically positions the connectorfor a second size of the arm belonging to the first category, and aninside vertical face thereof transversely positions the connector for athird size of the arm belonging to the first category.
 30. The connectoraccording to claim 1, wherein a bottom face of the locking tongue isprovided with at least one rib for vertically and/or transverselypositioning the arm belonging to the first category and of at least onesize.
 31. The connector according to claim 30, wherein the at least onerib extends substantially vertically downwards along a side edge of thebottom face of the locking tongue.